Minnesota Timberwolves guard Shake Milton (18) celebrates with guard Anthony Edwards (5) after making a basket through the first half of an NBA basketball sport in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Picture/Abbie Parr)
MINNEAPOLIS— Anthony Edwards scored 26 factors and had a season-high eight assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans 122-101 within the NBA on Wednesday evening.
Karl-Anthony Cities scored 23 factors on 9-of-12 taking pictures and Rudy Gobert had 17 factors and 20 rebounds to assist Minnesota win its fourth straight sport.
New Orleans was with out its two main scorers, with Zion Williamson out for private causes and CJ McCollum sidelined for the second straight sport by a collapsed lung.
“No matter who we play, who’s harm, we all know that our largest opponent is ourselves,” Gobert stated. “I’m actually proud the way in which we got here out. We got here out no matter who’s on the court docket. It’s nonetheless the NBA, and guys are proficient.”
WHAT A NIGHT. 👏
Ant – 26 PTS / 3 REB / 8 AST / 3 STL / 2 BLK
KAT – 23 PTS / 3 REB / 1 BLK
Rudy – 17 PTS / 21 REB / 1 AST / 2 BLK
Mike – 12 PTS / 4 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL
Shake – 10 PTS / 4 REB / 1 AST / 2 STL
Jaden – 10 PTS / 3 AST pic.twitter.com/W6yCGjXSgf— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 9, 2023
The Pelicans struggled to fill the void on offense. Brandon Ingram was one of many solely Pelicans who produced a lot offensively within the first half, main the way in which with 17 of his team-high 24 factors within the first half.
Jordan Hawkins added 14 factors for the Pelicans, who’ve misplaced three straight after opening 4-1. New Orleans shot 38.7% from the ground.
“Positively a troublesome loss, a irritating loss for our guys,” Pelicans coach Willie Inexperienced stated. “The trouble was there. Everyone knows we had some people and guys out. However give them credit score. They took care of enterprise on their dwelling ground.”
Minnesota was scorching from 3-point vary early. The Wolves hit 5 of their first six photographs from deep to seize a 17-6 lead. Mike Conley linked on 4 3-pointers within the first half to increase Minnesota’s benefit.
The Timberwolves have been 14 of 27 from deep within the first half, making extra 3-pointers than New Orleans tried (12).
“We simply allow them to be too comfy,” Inexperienced stated. “Guarding the ball is a precedence, and we didn’t do an awesome job of that within the first half.”
Minnesota let a giant lead slip away in opposition to Atlanta earlier this season. The Timberwolves have been decided to not let that occur once more.
The Wolves elevated their halftime lead and stored their foot on the gasoline effectively into the fourth quarter when the sport was already determined.
“I like the truth that we didn’t let up,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch stated. “We didn’t have any psychological lapses. There was no immaturity on the market when it got here to screwing round with the sport after we had it proper the place we needed it, which we’d been vulnerable to do.”
Edwards, who drew just a few “MVP!” “MVP!” chants from the gang at Goal Middle, was a facilitator on offense for Minnesota. He additionally continued his robust defensive play, ending with a pair of blocks that included a chase down play to thwart a Dyson Daniels layup.
Third-year ahead Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was within the beginning lineup for his season debut with the Pelicans. He had 11 factors and 9 rebounds.
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UP NEXT
Pelicans: At Houston on Friday evening.
Timberwolves: At San Antonio on Friday evening.
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